Definition
A request from air traffic control for the pilot to activate the IDENT feature on the aircraft transponder, which sends a special pulse that highlights the aircraft's return on the controller's radar display for several seconds, allowing positive identification of the target.
Plain English
When a controller says 'ident,' they want the pilot to push the IDENT button on the transponder so the aircraft's blip flashes on their screen. This lets the controller confirm exactly which target on the radar is that aircraft.
Context Anchor
Heard in radio communication with air traffic control, especially when a controller is confirming which radar target is your aircraft.
Derivation
Short for 'identify,' from Latin identificare, meaning 'to make the same' or 'to recognize as.' The shortened form is used because radio communication favors brevity.
Why Pilots Care
Enables quick, positive radar identification, preventing confusion with nearby traffic and supporting safe separation and sequencing.
Intuition Check
Ident does not mean simply saying who you are on the radio. In this context, it means activating the IDENT function so air traffic control can pick out your aircraft on their screen.
Example Sentence 1
Approach said, 'Cessna Three Four Romeo, ident,' so the pilot pressed the IDENT button on the transponder.
Example Sentence 2
After the ident, the controller confirmed radar contact with the correct aircraft.